Where required, cleansing of the skin using sterile water around the wound should be performed according to local clinical protocol. Saline should not be used.

Remove the ACTICOAT^◊ Site dressing from the pack using an aseptic technique. The dressing should not be moistened prior to use.

Apply ACTICOAT^◊ Site aseptically around the inserted device so that the device is completely surrounded by the dressing. The silver layer should be in contact with insertion site and the blue side of the dressing away from the skin.

Ensure that the pre-cut slit is oriented near or under the inserted device and that the edges of the slit meet to allow full contact with the surrounding skin.

Secure the dressing with an appropriate secondary retention dressing, e.g. IV3000^◊.

Remove film dressing and ACTICOAT^◊ Site dressing in one piece by stretching the film parallel to the patients skin while stabilising the the patients skin and catheter with hand.  Alternatively, where using IV3000^◊, use an alcohol wipe to break the adhesive seal.

Notes:

• Only one dressing should be applied to the insertion site.
• Occasionally transient pain on application of ACTICOAT^◊ has been reported. This can be minimised by carefully following the application instructions.
• Should continuous pain be experienced after application remove the dressing and discontinue use.
• The dressing may be left in place for up to 7 days, but will require earlier changing if a strike through of exudate occurs.
• If the dressing adheres to the insertion site, moisten or soak to assist removal and avoid disruption of the insertion site.
• ACTICOAT^◊ Site may cause transient discolouration of the surrounding skin.